Steam Cleaning Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A steam cleaning apparatus for cleaning and sanitizing glasses and other kitchenware. The steam cleaning apparatus comprises a water supply and a steam generating component. The steam generating component is configured to generate pressurized steam from the water supply. The steam generating component comprises an electric pump working in conjunction with an electric heater to generate the pressurized steam. The steam cleaning apparatus further comprises a steam cleaning chamber and a steam dispensing component. The steam cleaning chamber defines a steam cleaning space for retaining the glasses and kitchenware. The steam dispensing component receives the pressurized steam from the steam generating component and directs it into the steam cleaning chamber to steam clean the glasses and other kitchenware.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/982,189, which was filed on Feb. 27, 2020 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to an improved way to clean cups and other dishware, and more specifically to a steam cleaning apparatus for kitchenware. Accordingly, the present specification makes specific reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally amenable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cleaning a large number of cups, bottles, pots, pans, cutlery, dishware, and the like at one time can present a formidable task. Using a sink to hand wash and dry dishes requires soap, water, and other cleaning chemicals which can be expensive and time consuming. Additionally, handwashing dishes using water that is hot enough to kill bacteria and germs is not practical for hand washing as the user would easily get burned. Air drying hand washed items requires a lot of counter space leaving a cluttered kitchen.

Dishwashing machines are appliances that are designed to automate the dish washing process. These appliances clean food or liquid waste and stains attached to the dishware and cutlery by jetting or spraying a hot water and soap solution under pressure at the surface of the dishware which are retained in a water-tight tub. The water and soap are recirculated and reused saving time and energy. Once the wash cycle is complete, the dishwasher rinses the items with fresh hot water. The dishwasher completes the cleaning process by drying the items by one of several drying methods while keeping the cleaned items housed within the dishwasher and out of sight leaving an uncluttered kitchen throughout the process. Dishwashers are efficient cleaning tools that save time and resources.

While dishwashers are a significant improvement on handwashing, they still have limitations. Mechanical dishwashers clean by spraying hot water, typically heated to between 110 and 170 degrees Fahrenheit, on the items. These temperatures are not hot enough to achieve sanitization or often effective cleaning. Water must typically be heated to at least 180 degrees Fahrenheit for sanitization to occur without the addition of a chemical sanitizing solution. Moist heat in the form of saturated steam under pressure would provide more effective cleaning and sanitizing. Dishwashers are not designed to be steam cleaning only appliances.

Therefore, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved way to clean cups and other dishware, and more specifically to a steam cleaning apparatus for kitchenware. There is also a long felt need in the art for a steam cleaning apparatus that cleans and sanitizes with pressurized and saturated steam in a time efficient manner. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a steam cleaning apparatus that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and both safe and easy to use.

In this manner, the improved steam cleaning apparatus of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, thereby providing an easy solution to clean cups, bottles, pots, pans, cutlery, and any other dishware. A primary feature of the present invention is the ability to use pressurized steam to facilitate the cleaning process. The steam cleaning apparatus of the present invention is capable of saving time and effort when cleaning dishes or kitchenware in home and commercial kitchens.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a steam cleaning apparatus. The steam cleaning apparatus is configured to clean dishware, glassware, cutlery, and all related items with only pressurized steam. The steam cleaning apparatus comprises a water supply and a steam generating component. The water supply comprises a water tank. The water tank supplies the water for the steam cleaning apparatus.

The steam generating component is in fluid communication with the water supply. The steam generating component comprises an electric pump and an electric heater. The electric pump is configured to generate pressures of up to 100 psi. The electric pump receives the water from the water supply via a low pressure conduit. Once pressurized, the water is ejected from the electric pump into the electric heater via a high pressure water conduit. The electric heater is configured to heat the pressurized water to a maximum of 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Proper sanitization can be achieved at approximately 180 degrees Fahrenheit for an approximately 30 millisecond exposure to the steam.

The steam cleaning apparatus further comprises a steam cleaning chamber and a steam dispensing component. The steam cleaning chamber comprises a housing and a door that defines a steam cleaning space within. The steam dispensing component comprises a primary steam dispensing conduit and a plurality of secondary dispensing conduits. The plurality of secondary dispensing conduits branch out of the primary steam dispensing conduit. The steam dispensing component further comprises a plurality of nozzles. The plurality of nozzles are integrated into the plurality of secondary dispensing conduits. The steam dispensing component is positioned completely within the steam cleaning chamber.

The steam dispensing component is in fluid communication with the steam generating component. The steam generated by the electric heater is guided out of the electric heater to the steam dispensing component via a high pressure steam conduit. The high pressure steam conduit is connected to the primary steam dispensing component via an intake valve. The steam dispensing component then introduces the pressurized steam into the steam cleaning chamber via the plurality of nozzles.

The steam cleaning apparatus further comprises a pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve is integrated into the housing of the steam cleaning chamber and is configured to activate in the event of over pressurization. The steam cleaning apparatus further comprises a drying component. The drying component is similarly integrated into the housing of the steam cleaning chamber. The drying component is an electric fan configured to dry the items that have been steam cleaned within the steam cleaning chamber.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of one embodiment of a steam cleaning apparatus of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of the steam cleaning apparatus of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a steam cleaning chamber and a steam dispensing component of the steam cleaning apparatus of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the steam dispensing component of the steam cleaning apparatus of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front cut away view of the steam cleaning chamber of the steam cleaning apparatus of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a steam cleaning apparatus. The steam cleaning apparatus is designed to utilize high pressure steam to clean dishware and includes a steaming mechanism to facilitate deep cleaning. The steam cleaning apparatus uses an electric pump and electric heater in combination to produce steam for cleaning. The steam cleaning apparatus also features a blower fan for drying the dishware once cleaned.

The steam cleaning apparatus is a modified cleaning system that uses a tea kettle-like process to steam clean and dry the individual cups, dishes, flatware, and the like. A water tank and water pump are connected to the electric heater. The components are connected to a cup and dishware chamber configured to retain multiple dishware items simultaneously. Each component works in conjunction to deliver the concentrated steam to the dishware chamber for cleaning. The electric blower is used to dry the washed items after a cleaning cycle is complete. An exhaust area and drain are used to drain the system once cleaning is complete.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a steam cleaning apparatus 100. The steam cleaning apparatus 100 is configured to clean dishware, glassware, cutlery, and all related items using only pressurized steam. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the steam cleaning apparatus 100 comprises a water supply 110 and a steam generating component 114. The water supply is a water tank 110. The water tank 110 supplies the water for the steam generating component 114 to convert to steam for use in the steam cleaning apparatus 100.

The steam generating component 114 is in fluid communication with the water supply 110. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the steam generating component 114 comprises an electric pump 116 and an electric heater 120. The electric pump 116 is a water pump and may be an impeller driven electric pump or a centrifugal electric pump. The electric pump 116 is configured to have a working pressure of up to 100 psi. The electric pump 116 is in fluid communication with and receives the water from the water supply 110 via a low pressure water conduit 112. Once pressurized by the electric pump 116, the water is ejected from the electric pump 116 into the electric heater 120. The electric pump 116 and the electric heater 120 are in fluid communication via a high pressure water conduit 118. The electric heater 120 is typically a resistance heater, such as an immersion heater, and has a working temperature of and is configured to heat the pressurized water to a maximum of 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Sanitization is typically achieved at 180 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 milliseconds of exposure to the pressurized steam.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, the steam cleaning apparatus 100 further comprises a steam cleaning chamber 124 and a steam dispensing component 150. The steam cleaning chamber 124 defines a steam cleaning space 126 for retaining the items to be cleaned. The steam cleaning chamber 124 comprises a housing 128 and a door 138 that defines the steam cleaning space 126 within. The housing 128 is a water-tight tub comprising a rook 130, a floor 132, a pair of sidewalls 134, and a back 136. A control panel 140 for controlling a cleaning cycle may be integrated into the door 138, the housing, 128, or any other component of the steam cleaning apparatus 100.

The steam cleaning chamber 124 may further comprises a plurality of storage racks 142 as illustrated in FIG. 5 for retaining the items to be steam cleaned. The plurality of storage racks 142 may be fixed in position within the housing 128 or be movable similar to those used with dishwashers. The housing 128 further comprises an exhaust element 148. The exhaust element 148 may be a port, typically located in one of the sidewalls 134 or roof 130, configured to release heat and pressure once a cleaning cycle is complete. The housing 128 further comprises a drain 146. The drain 146 is typically located within the floor 132.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the steam dispensing component 150 comprises a primary steam dispensing conduit 152 and a plurality of secondary dispensing conduits 154. The plurality of secondary dispensing conduits 154 branch out of the primary steam dispensing conduit 152. The steam dispensing component 150 further comprises a plurality of nozzles 156 or orifices. The plurality of nozzles 156 are steam nozzles that are integrated into the plurality of secondary dispensing conduits 154 along their lengths. The primary steam dispensing conduit 152 and the plurality of secondary dispensing conduits 154 of the steam dispensing component 150 are positioned within and completely enclosed by the steam cleaning chamber 124.

The steam dispensing component 150 is in fluid communication with the electric heater 120 of the steam generating component 114. The steam generated by the electric heater 120 is guided out of the electric heater 120 to the steam dispensing component 150 via a high pressure steam conduit 122. The high pressure steam conduit 122 of the steam generating component 114 is connected to the primary steam dispensing conduit 152 via an intake valve 144 positioned within one of the sidewalls 134 or the back 136 of the housing 128. The steam dispensing component 150 then introduces the pressurized high temperature steam into the steam cleaning space 126 of the steam cleaning chamber 124 via the plurality of nozzles 156.

The steam cleaning apparatus 100 further comprises a pressure relief valve 158. The pressure relief valve 158 is integrated into the housing 128 of the steam cleaning chamber 124 and is configured to activate in the event of over pressurization to release steam and pressure. For safety, the relief valve 158 may activate at approximately 150 psi to avoid the need for a pressure vessel chamber. The steam cleaning apparatus 100 further comprises a drying component 160. The drying component 160 is similarly integrated into the housing 128 of the steam cleaning chamber 124. The drying component 160 is an electric fan configured to dry the items that have been steam cleaned within the steam cleaning chamber 124. The drying component 160 is typically an exhaust fan configured to create a negative pressure inside the steam cleaning chamber 124 after a steam sanitization cycle is complete. Essentially, steam jetting is used for cleaning, and high temperature steam with vacuum drying is used to achieve sanitization of dishes

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the steam cleaning apparatus 100 can by any suitable size, shape, and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of the steam cleaning apparatus 100 and its various components, as show in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the steam cleaning apparatus 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although dimensions of the steam cleaning apparatus 100 and its components (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the steam cleaning apparatus 100 and its various components may be any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference. As such, the steam cleaning apparatus 100 may be comprised of sizing/shaping that is appropriate and specific in regard to the type and number of items the steam cleaning apparatus 100 is designed to clean.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A steam cleaning apparatus comprising: a water supply; a steam generating component in fluid communication with the water supply; a steam cleaning chamber; and a steam dispensing component in fluid communication with the steam generating component; and wherein the steam dispensing component introduces pressurized steam into the steam cleaning chamber.
 2. The steam cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the water supply comprises a water tank.
 3. The steam cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the steam cleaning chamber defines a steam cleaning space.
 4. The steam cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the steam generating component generates and guides high pressure and temperature steam into the steam dispensing component.
 5. The steam cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the steam generating component is connected to the steam dispensing component via an intake valve.
 6. The steam cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the steam dispensing component comprises a primary steam dispensing conduit and a plurality of secondary steam dispensing conduits branching from the primary steam dispensing conduit.
 7. The steam cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the steam dispensing component comprises a plurality of nozzles for dispensing steam.
 8. The steam cleaning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a pressure relief valve integrated into the steam cleaning chamber.
 9. The steam cleaning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a drying component integrated into the steam cleaning chamber.
 10. The steam cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the steam cleaning chamber comprises a plurality of storage racks for retaining items to be steam cleaned.
 11. A steam cleaning apparatus comprising: a water supply; a steam generating component comprising an electric pump in fluid communication with the water supply, and an electric heater in fluid communication with the electric pump; a steam cleaning chamber; and a steam dispensing component in fluid communication with the electric heater; and wherein the steam dispensing component introduces pressurized steam into a steam cleaning space defined by the steam cleaning chamber.
 12. The steam cleaning apparatus of claim 11, wherein the electric pump is an impeller driven electric pump.
 13. The steam cleaning apparatus of claim 11, wherein the electric pump is a centrifugal electric pump.
 14. The steam cleaning apparatus of claim 11, wherein the electric pump has a working pressure of at least 100 psi.
 15. The steam cleaning apparatus of claim 11, wherein the electric heater is a resistance heater.
 16. The steam cleaning apparatus of claim 11, wherein the electric heater has a working temperature of at least 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
 17. The steam cleaning apparatus of claim 11, wherein the steam cleaning chamber comprises an exhaust element.
 18. A steam cleaning apparatus comprising: a water tank; a steam generating component comprising an electric pump in low pressure fluid communication with the water tank, and an electric heater in high pressure fluid communication with the electric pump; a steam cleaning chamber defining a steam cleaning space; and a steam dispensing component in high temperature and pressure fluid communication with the electric heater; and wherein the steam dispensing component introduces pressurized steam into a steam cleaning space defined by the steam cleaning chamber.
 19. The steam cleaning apparatus of claim 18 further comprising a pressure relief valve integrated into the steam cleaning chamber.
 20. The steam cleaning apparatus of claim 18 further comprising a drying component integrated into the steam cleaning chamber. 